Posts made in October, 2016

Posted by Habitat Authority on Oct 29, 2016 in News | Comments Off on Hellman and Preserve-wide Management

Visitation at Hellman Park and the entire Preserve has increased dramatically over the past few years. Managing for the protection of the environment and balance with recreation is discussed in the staff report found here.

For an update click here http://www.habitatauthority.org/2016/11/hellman-park-trailhead-gate-closing-125/
11/30/16 Wednesday – Hellman Park Trailhead will be closed due to construction. No hikers or bikers on the trails will be allowed. No parking in the parking lot will be allowed. Thank you for your patience.
11/3/16 Update: Partial decorative fence panels will be installed the second week of November. The project is expected to be completed in December.
Construction on the Hellman Park fence continues. Next week, 10/17-10/19, crews will begin work on the main entry gate across the driveway and will begin by saw-cutting the curb on Monday (10/17). While...

Since 2005 there has been over a 2,600% increase in trail use at Hellman Park. The average daily use at this trailhead is 1,087 people, far more than was designed for this location. It is fantastic that people are exercising and enjoying nature, however, trail overuse has the potential to cause negative impacts to the flora and fauna, and trails on the property.
Balancing recreation with natural resource preservation is what we try to accomplish with our management of the Puente Hills Preserve, which is in total 3,870 acres including areas of Whittier, Hacienda Heights and La Habra Heights. We are currently examining how to address this issue, and staff is planning to...